Six Dead in Haridwar Temple Stampede Triggered by Rumours
Panic from Rumours Causes Tragedy at Mansa Devi Temple During Sawan Rush.
- Six people died and dozens were injured in a stampede at Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar.
- Police suggest rumours of electrocution caused panic among the devotees.
- PM Modi and President Murmu expressed condolences; financial aid announced for victims.
GG News Bureau
Haridwar, 27th July: Six people have died and dozens of devotees suffered injuries in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in the holy city of Haridwar today, Sunday, July 27, 2025. The tragic incident occurred on the staircases on the temple road leading to the main temple. Police officials suggest that rumours about potential electrocution caused widespread panic among the gathered crowd, leading to the stampede.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that a huge crowd had assembled at the Mansa Devi temple before the stampede. Visuals from the scene showed injured devotees being swiftly transported to the hospital in ambulances, with many others receiving immediate treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Aarush (12), Vivek (18), Wakeel, and Shanti from Uttar Pradesh; Vipin Saini (18) from Uttarakhand; and Shakal Dev (18) from Bihar. In addition, 28 others sustained injuries, with five of them being critically injured. Uttarakhand Police’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the local police immediately launched extensive relief operations, as confirmed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haridwar, Pramendra Singh Dobal, stated, “The police force reached the spot immediately and began the rescue operation. Around 35 injured people were admitted to the hospital, out of which six deaths have been confirmed. The main cause behind the stampede appears to be panic triggered by rumours about an electric current.”
The tragedy unfolded during the auspicious Hindu month of Sawan, a period that witnesses a massive influx of devotees at all pilgrimage points in the city. Haridwar is also a significant destination for Shiv devotees, known as Kanwariyas, who visit the city to collect water from the Ganga River during this time.
An injured devotee from Bihar, narrating the incident to news agency ANI, described a sudden surge of a huge crowd at the temple, which resulted in the stampede. He recounted falling amidst the jostling and fracturing his hand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” he said. President Droupadi Murmu also termed the incident “deeply painful,” extending her condolences to the grieving families and praying for the injured’s quick recovery.
Chief Minister Dhami confirmed that he is in constant communication with local authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. “It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. @uksdrf, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees,” Mr. Dhami posted.
The Uttarakhand government has announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased victims and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Uttarakhand Police helpline numbers for assistance are: (+91) 94111 12973, 9520625934.
